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Thursday, July 29, 2010

Commentaries of Sadasiva Brahmendra on Brahmasutra & Yogasutra

Sadasiva Brahmendra (also known as Sadasivendra Saraswati) was a great saint, a composer of Carnatic music and an Advaita philosopher who lived near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu during the 17th or 18th century CE. He composed mainly in Sanskrit. Only a few of his compositions have survived but they are recognised as great compositions of Carnatic Music. He was a unique blend of Jnanam & Bhakti.

He renounced the home at the time of his child-bride attaining puberty. He wandered about as an Avaduta, sleeping on the ground with hand as the pillow. He moved about near Trichy. He used to argue with scholars in his younger days. On being admonished by his guru, he became silent and observed mouna for the rest of his life. Several miracles are attributed to him. A few are mentioned by Paramahansa Yogananda in his classic 'Autobiography of a Yogi'. He was honored by princes whenever he was found, especially by Raja of Pudukottai. His samadhi is in Nerur,near Trichy.

His works include "Brahma Tatva Prakasika, Yoga Sudhakaram, Atma Vidya Vilasam, Sivayogadipika and Siva Manasa Puja" in addition to popular kirtans like "sarvam brahmamayam and piba re ramarasam".

His vrittis (commentaries) on Brahmasutra of Badarayana (named Brahma Tatva Prakasika) and on Yogasutra of Patanjali (named Yoga Sudhakaram) were published in Sanskrit by Sri Vani Vilas Press many decades back. It is not known if these texts have been translated into English.

For a detailed list of the works of this great saint, visit http://www.bharathagnana.in/2009/02/sadashiva-brahmendra-biography.html